It's the All-Star break and Andrew Bynum hasn't played a game for the Sixers because of knee troubles. Not a single, solitary minute. The question at this point is whether he's ever going to play a minute as a Sixer.

This is Jeff Ruland territory here. It's actually come to the point where it's not out of the realm of possibility that Bynum, who was acquired in a blockbuster offseason trade, never plays for the Sixers.

The All-NBA Second Team selection last season felt pain in his knee as recently as earlier this week. Eight-plus months after his last game, Bynum's still nowhere near 100 percent. He's only been able to do some drills and still hasn't played 1-on-1, nevertheless participate in any sort of scrimmage.

To be blunt, Bynum's not close to returning in a game. The most recent targeted return date somewhere not long after the All-Star Game is pretty much out of the question. The Sixers (22-29) will likely be without Bynum until at least March. By that time, there will only be 26 games remaining in what seems like a lost season.

But will that even happen? Will Bynum even get back onto the court this season?

If he could, he would. Bynum needs to show the Sixers (and the rest of the NBA) he's somewhat healthy if he's going to cash in as a free agent this offseason. Even a 7-footer with his talent and skills will have trouble getting a long-term deal if he sits out the entire season.

So it's in Bynum's best interest to get back on the court. It's in the Sixers' best interest to get him back on the court. The only question now is whether it's actually going to happen some time in the next two months before the regular season ends.